Under-19 InternationalRepublic of Ireland 0 England 2 The Republic of Ireland suffered because of the lack of a goalscorer as they slumped to defeat before an estimated 3,000 spectators at Turner's Cross last night.

Ireland had much the better of the first half but the half-time scoreline told a familiar tale after England had jumped in front with a goal against the run of play after 36 minutes. James Morrison beat goalkeeper Darren Randolph with a powerful shot from 25 yards after Ireland had spurned a succession of chances.

Most obvious of these came after 15 minutes when Andy Keogh broke through and rounded the goalkeeper only to shoot over from 12 yards.

When Keogh mis-kicked after a cross from John Paul Kelly had isolated him in the 30th minute, Ireland knew it was not their night.

They competed well throughout a less eventful second half until England made sure of victory with a special goal four minutes from time. Ryan Jarvis, a half-time substitute, fired a free from all of 28 yards high into the net beyond Ireland's substitute goalkeeper Conrad Logan.

REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: Randolph (Charlton Athletic, Logan, Leicester City 46); Keane (Luton Town, Elebert, Preston 60); Gibson (Manchester United); O'Dea (Celtic), Painter (Birmingham City); O'Brien (Bolton Wanderers); J P Kelly (Liverpool); Cregg (Arsenal); O'Donnell (Arsenal, Collins, Huddersfield Town 75); Morris (Leeds United, Hayes, Reading 62); Keogh (Leeds Utd Clarke Ipswich 70).

ENGLAND: Heaton (Manchester United Knights, Middlesbrough 46); Bates (Middlesbrough, Mills, Southampton 67); Cranie (Southampton); Giddings (Coventry City, A Taylor, Blackburn Rovers 57); Morrison (Middlesbrough, Jones, Manchester Utd 57); Leadbitter (Sunderland); Huddlestone (Derby County, Taylor, Liverpool 46); Holmes (Derby County); Moore (Aston Villa, Fryatt, Walsall 46); Bowditch (Ipswich, Jarvis, Norwich 46).

Referee: A Kelly (Cork).